Depth Adjustable Crop Transport Vane Eccentric Shaft Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current crop transport vane systems in agricultural combines require time-consuming adjustments to achieve optimal crop residence time and transport speed, as the static height and angle of vanes do not conform well to the threshing chamber curvature, leading to inefficiencies in grain separation and power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A depth-adjustable and angularly adjustable crop transport vane system with a planar vane design that fits within slots on the rotor cover, utilizing an eccentric shaft for simultaneous remote adjustment of vane depth and angle, allowing for quick changes in crop transport speed without compromising chamber curvature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the height of the vanes is set statically at manufacture, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different crop conditions is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different crop conditionsVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vane height is made adjustable through a mechanical lifting mechanism that allows the vane to be positioned at different heights relative to the rotor cover. This transforms the static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to different crop conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through a straightforward adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the vane angle is made adjustable, then the crop transport speed can be optimized, but the adjustment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrop transport speed optimizationVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete angular positions, allowing the vane to be quickly rotated to predetermined angles. This segmentation enables rapid selection of optimal transport speeds without requiring continuous adjustment, thereby reducing the time needed to optimize crop transport for different conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If the vane depth is increased to improve crop residence time control, then the transport precision improves, but the difficulty of maintaining chamber curvature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrop residence time control precisionVSAvoidchamber curvature maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vane depth is made adjustable through a lifting mechanism that allows the vane to be raised or lowered relative to the rotor cover. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control of crop residence time while maintaining the ability to adapt to different chamber curvature requirements without permanent deformation or complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces grain loss and power consumption by allowing precise control over crop transport speed and residence time, enhancing the efficiency of the threshing and separation process while minimizing adjustment time and maintaining chamber compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

an eccentric shaft connected to one or more of said crop transport vanes, such that rotation of the eccentric shaft results in displacement of the one or more crop transport vanes to achieve remote adjustment of the crop transport vane depth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2614702B1Depth adjustable crop transport vane
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 CNH IND BELGIUM NV
  • EP2614702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2614702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2614702B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A depth adjustable crop transport vane (123), crop transport vane assembly, and agricultural combine threshing chambers (26) employing such adjustable crop transport vanes (123) are disclosed.